Warning over rogue insulation company

City of York Council is warning residents to be vigilant after learning about the tactics of salespeople purporting to sell home insulation on behalf of City of York Council.

The council’s Trading Standards team is aware that a number of residents have been targeted by a company knocking on their doors claiming to be representing a Bradford based company, which is offering home energy saving solutions.

City of York Council teamed up with the Yorkshire Energy Partnership last month to offer free home insulation to York residents.

The ‘Warmer Winter’ scheme aims to tackle fuel poverty and keep the cold at bay during the freezing winter months and also helps residents save up to £310* on their fuel bills.

Since the launch of the scheme the council has received a number of calls from customers who’ve been approached at home by a company called ‘Warm Winter’. The company has apparently been advising customers that they are working on a free scheme with the council – which is not true.

Matt Boxall, Trading Standards manager, at City of York Council, said:

“We would also always caution people not to buy goods or services from firms who cold call, without first satisfying themselves that the trader is offering a quality product, at a reasonable price and that the advice from the firm as to the necessity of the goods or services is correct.

“Residents who have concerns about the legitimacy of any unsolicited caller should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.”

The ‘Warmer Winter’ scheme is subject to a free, no obligation home survey. Householders can get free loft and cavity wall insulation in their homes, on a first-come first-served basis. The scheme is open to all private homeowners in the City of York Council area, including landlords.

The £100,000 scheme is the first of its kind, and is being funded by national energy providers and City of York Council.

The deal expires on 31 January 2012, so people are being urged to get in touch as soon as possible by calling Yorkshire Energy Partnership on 01904 55 44 06 and quoting ‘Winter Warmer’.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, a house can lose up to 60 per cent of its heating through its walls and roof – and insulation can help householders save up to £310* per year on their energy bills.